Farewell old me
Back in February, in my first blog post on this site, I mentioned that I’d be releasing a track called “Brand New Me”.
Brothers and sisters, the time has arrived.
I typed a little rant on my twitter after uploading the song today sharing my thoughts regarding this particular track and it’s release. For those who missed it (and for my own future reference) I shall do a recap here as well.
Long story short..
Since a young age I’ve had the dream of becoming a world famous rap artist. My motivation? The same as most young aspiring rap artists: the money, the recognition, the admiration, the respect, the women, the cars, the mansion, etc.
Throughout the years, I also did genuinely want to provide a better life for my loved ones. Even though this was the foundation for my drive and passion, it was most often clouded by the aforementioned and quite self centered elements.
The past 10 years of my career have been eventful to say the least. I’ve experienced a rapid rise to stardom and just as swiftly fell into complete obscurity. I’ve found myself boasting in victory as well as drowning in the agony of utter, humiliating defeat. This is the part where the kind hearted individuals will attempt to console me with sentiments like, “Jin, haters will always hate”.
Thank you. I appreciate your considerate nature. However, I do believe only the truth can set one free. These days, I feel like a bird with the cage door wide open.
I’ve heard some say with age comes wisdom. That may not always be the case, but sometimes it just may be true.
I look back at these past 10 years at what I’ve accomplished.. or didn’t accomplish. Once upon a time, it use to eat me up inside.
Until God set me free.
God doesn’t care how many battles I’ve won or lost. God doesn’t care how many records I’ve sold or didn’t sell. His love and appreciation for me is not contingent upon my performance in this world. He loves me because I am His precious child.
“Jin, when did you have this sudden realization?”
Firstly, It wasn’t sudden at all. It’s always been a process and it continues to be a process. It was in my darkest hours that I recognized the Lord’s grace, patience and mercy.
As unworthy and undeserving as I was, He still showered me with blessings as only a loving Father would do.
As I can only hope and aspire to do when my son enters this world..
This is what defines the BRAND NEW ME.
My motivation is quite simple now. To glorify God with not only my music, but my life.
Based on the sharing that I come across on youtube comments, tweets and emails, I know that I am not the only one on this journey of self growth and revelation.
I dedicate this song to anyone in search of that brand new you. One that is not perfect but realizes there is a need for transformation and will spend every moment of life striving to reach that goal.
I’ll be the first to admit. In comparison to some of my previous work, this song may not be the most lyrically complex or intricate. It’s not meant to be.
A brand new me wouldn’t be complete without a brand new video. You don’t wanna miss this one. Stay tuned..
Jin i fully appreciate ALL ur music & the Direction ur takin it now. & maybe some dont but im LOVIN the New Music u make BUT please clear this up it sounds like ur thinkin of leaving music soon is that on ur mind at all ? If thats how u feel i wish u great happines in The nxt part of ur life BUT i would like to have MORE of ur music to lift my spirits. Be Good my Friend.
great tune, stay tuned !
Jin, big up and Jah bless! Continue to send those praises up, and keep giving the Lord the glory in your music!
I love the beat and flow on this, but more importantly it’s good to see you’re going in the direction we are: To make more mainstream music with Christian undertones.
Don’t get me wrong, “out-and-out” Christian music is great: Strengthening the faith of existing Christians, providing them with an outlet to worship and also to give them something to listen to that isn’t all about the money, drugs and sex.
Our goal is to make “Christian music for non-Christians”, i.e. something more subtle that can find it’s way into their regular music listening rotation and get mainstream radio airplay, then when people actually listen to the words or question the motives, they realise the true message and are introduced to God that way.
I was worried when I first started listening to this track on another blog that you had kind of given up on on your Christian rap and tried to do something more “shallow and mainstream”, but after reading your rant, I’m glad to see we’re on the same page!
Keep it up! I think this kind of track will help you re-establish yourself with mainstream audiences and hopefully bring some of them closer to God!
Jin, once again, thanks for sharing your gift and your testimony. God’s love is amazing!
Hi Jin. Been checking your blog for the last couple of months now since I saw you in the movie ’1040 window’. Just wanted to let you know how encouraging it is to read about your walk with God, how much he has changed you, and how much more we can expect Him to complete the work he has started in you.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
It really is all about God. Knowing, loving, and serving Him with all that we have. God bless.
Thanks Jin, I appreciate reading this it ministered to me and lets me know that even when saved, (I am saved too) we are still becoming “a new me.”
Greetings in Christ! Hope you’re doing great in NY with your loving family.
Love the new song, and thank you for reminding me and all those who could relate to the story, of God’s love and presence in our life.
Best wishes for the new coming baby, hopefully the gift will arrive soon if it hasn’t yet.
Much love and God bless!
Love the new direction your music career is moving in! Fulfilling the purpose we were all put on this earth for…telling people about Christ’s love! God Bless bro! If i never meet u on earth i hope to see u in heaven!
JIN I LOVE U SO MUCH THANK U FOR SHARING YOUR GODGIVEN GIFT WITH US. I WISH TO SEE U FEATURE SOME CHRISTIAN ARTISTS LIKE TRIP LEE, LECRAE, DA TRUTH e.t.c. AND WHEN ARE YOU RELEASING AN ALBUM?
I LOVE THIS SONG. I GREW UP LISTENING TO YOUR MUSIC SINCE I WAS 8 WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED. MC JIN IS ONE OF THE BEST IN THIS ERA IN MY OPINION.
Wow, I left NYC in the late 80′s. I’ve been trying to find hip hop that speaks to me for almost a decade since I’ve begun to walk with the Lord. I sincerely commend your turnaround. I came across you looking at some other video on you tube and clicked on your ‘say something’ song as a curiosity. Then I heard 4 other tracks of yours and was hooked. Being a hip hop fiend I had not heard of you because ever since God and my children( circa 2000) entered my life I made it a task not to acquire any additional crude ‘secular’ type music. I sustained myself for the past decade on the milder beats from the past(Eric b & rakim, tribe, jungle bros…etc). My man, your insightfulness and beats are awesome. Having come into ‘ Christian’ type hip hop within the past year, your word play and east coast flava go right to the top of my list. Keep it up J, much respect and future success. And congrats on your new baby and life……PS- its like you wrote the song ‘Changed Man’ with me in mind, thanks…..
You’re a good man
Ive fallen off track a few times, been on and off of my journey with God, ignored signs, but nevertheless, I always knew that road will remain open with God patiently waiting for me to fully turn my life over. I want to meet and be a brand new ME, and although I’m not there yet, it’s always a blessing to read other people’s stories and struggles of how they got there. So thank you Jin for inspiration and for your testimonies through rhymes and beats.
Keep it up, Jin! We’ll always support you! Love you
love this song alot… thanks for the song